And when they found our shadows
Grouped around the TV sets
They ran down every lead
They repeated every test
They checked out all the data on their lists
And then the alien anthropologists
Admitted they were still perplexed
But on eliminating every other reason
For our sad demise
They logged the only explanation left
This species has amused itself to death
No tears to cry no feelings left
This species has amused itself to death

Claire Balding is on BBC Breakfast. Said it was probably the greatest shortlist ever and plenty of amazing athletes, such as Kev Sinfield, could of got on the list in other years.

With the best, thats a good bit of PR, though I would say the Bedford team, theres, like, you know, 13 blokes who can get together at the weekend to have a game together, which doesnt point to expansion of the game. Point, yeah go on!

Has got to be Wiggins but after Cavendish won it last year it wouldn't be much of a shock to see a non-cyclist win it. Anyone one of the shortlist with the possible exception of McIlroy deserve to win.

Me too. He is the most accomplished of the 12 and his golds were won against determined (and world champion) opposition, with the final one of them being the toughest to get.

He is a superb athlete and when considering the range of distances you may have a point. But winning the TDF is by far the highest achievement of a British athlete this year. Also to include a gold in the Olympic time trial its been Wiggins' year.